5 Reasons You Should Join the Military (and 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t)

ARMY PROS & CONS *MUST WATCH BEFORE JOINING* 2021

Five disadvantages of joining the military

Although serving in the military has many long-term benefits, there are costs involved. It is not a choice to make lightly. Some potential disadvantages of joining the military include:

1. You could be in physical danger or endanger others

If you’re thinking about joining the military, you should really assess your willingness to put yourself in danger or cause harm to others. This is probably your most important consideration. Even if you are not engaged in active combat, depending on your station and the role you play in the military, you may still be exposed to extremely dangerous situations. Even after serving your time in the military and being out of immediate danger, you might still feel anxious or have post-traumatic stress disorder.

2. It’s physically demanding

While staying in shape, healthy, and sharp might be viewed as a benefit of serving in the military, there are expenses involved. The training is extremely demanding, and the days can be long and exhausting. The physical demands of the job can negatively impact both your mental and physical health. If the thought of that makes you uneasy, perhaps this is not the right course for you.

3. Long periods away from family or home

The benefits of military life can undoubtedly include travel and seeing the world, but for some, homesickness and missing significant family occasions—holidays, the birth of a child, or taking care of a loved one—can be too great a sacrifice.

Most military personnel travel frequently while they are in the service. This journey might take place within the United States or elsewhere in the world. Before enlisting in the military, it’s crucial to ascertain whether you and your family are prepared to travel for the duration of your contract.

4. Lack of control over daily life

Although you will learn discipline in the military, not all personalities will be successful there. No matter where they are stationed, what they eat, or when they can rest, service members are not given any freedom. From how to make your bed to how to style your hair, soldiers are taught to obey orders. This goes against what military life will teach you and expect of you if you consider yourself to be a free spirit or someone who enjoys deviating from convention.

5. It is a huge commitment with a contract

Joining the military is a life-changing commitment. You sign a contract when you enlist in the military that specifies how long you will serve. This is a legally binding agreement that cannot be modified or terminated. Although it can range from two to nine years, the typical length of commitment is between four and five years. You are legally required to serve for the duration of the contract you signed, and leaving the military before that time could have serious legal repercussions.

Five advantages of joining the military

Joining the military is a very personal decision. Perhaps you feel patriotic toward your nation or pleased to carry on a family tradition. Perhaps you simply want to leave your hometown so that you can access opportunities, skills, and community. While defending and serving your country can be rewarding in and of themselves, those who serve in the armed forces frequently gain from additional benefits such as:

1. Lifelong sense of community

Being in the military fosters a sense of camaraderie that is difficult to achieve in the civilian sector. Mutual self-sacrifice and work under potentially stressful circumstances can create enduring bonds between military personnel. Some of the military friends you make will stick with you throughout your civilian life.

2. World travel

Although hardly a vacation, you could be stationed anywhere in the world and gain the unique life experience that goes along with it. While seeing other countries and experiencing different cultures is not in and of itself a reason to join the military, the perspective you would gain is undoubtedly noteworthy because being in the military is a demanding profession that requires self-sacrifice.

3. Education and training assistance

You can receive training and employment in a profession while serving in the military, then practice that profession when you become a civilian. Today, the GI Bill provides significant benefits for active-duty military personnel and veterans, such as paying for tuition and fees, providing a monthly housing allowance, and providing a stipend for books and supplies for up to 36 months. Military personnel also receive free or reduced-cost education and financial aid for tuition.

4. Health care benefits and beyond

Having access to a 401(k) retirement savings and investment plan, free HMO medical and dental coverage while on active duty, and 30 days of paid vacation each year are a few advantages of joining the military. In addition, many civilian businesses will thank you for your service by providing benefits and discounts to active duty personnel, reservists, members of the National Guard, and veterans.

5. Physical fitness and self-discipline

There are many physical requirements during basic training and while serving in the military, which will keep you in top physical condition while also teaching you crucial soft skills like self-discipline.

What you should know before joining the military

Despite slight branch-specific differences, the requirements for joining the military are generally similar. What you should know before enlisting in the military, if you are thinking about it, is as follows:

If you meet the requirements

To enlist in the military, you must be of legal age and hold a high school diploma. Although the military does accept a small number of GED holders each year, you might want to enroll in college courses or perform well on the Armed Forces Qualification Test to increase your chances of being selected.

Although the minimum age requirements vary from branch to branch, generally speaking, you must be at least 17 years old (unless you have parental permission as a minor). The maximum enlistment age varies by branch, with the Marines having a 28-year-old cap, the Army having a 35-year-old cap, and the Air Force, Space Force, and Navy each having a 39-year-old cap.

Your medical history

You’ll need a copy of your medical records, and certain health issues might prevent you from serving. These range from having the ability to pass basic range-of-motion tests to having congenital conditions that may affect the entire body.

Your aptitude for the military

Your behavior

As a member of the military, you will undoubtedly be held to a certain standard of behavior (good order and discipline). In addition to staying out of trouble with the law, you should avoid engaging in certain daily activities while serving in the military, such as gambling, using derogatory language, and similar activities.

FAQ

What are some cons of joining the military?

• You could be in physical danger or endanger others. …
• It’s physically demanding. …
• Long periods away from family or home. …
• Lack of control over daily life. …
• It is a huge commitment with a contract.

What are 3 reasons to join the military?

The military offers opportunities for additional training outside of duty hours as well as advanced technical training in a variety of career fields. Many military personnel are able to enroll in college courses, which are frequently covered by financial aid.

Is joining the military a mistake?

• To serve your country. People frequently enlist in the military because they feel compelled to do their country’s bidding.
• To learn new skills or a trade. …
• To find purpose. …
• To get physically fit. …
• To pay for college. …
• To save money. …
• To enjoy job stability. …
• To retire early.